THE LION (and his 45 wooden friends) SLEEPS TONIGHT

The Kit Carson County Carousel will not open to the public on Memorial Day weekend as it has in the past. Though the carousel is a National Historic Landmark and a beloved experience for people of all ages; it is considered a licensed and inspected amusement ride, as are all carousels and other rides belonging to towns, counties, zoos, carnivals, and theme parks in Colorado. 

Currently, no date has been set as to when rides or theme parks might be able to open; but even should that time be determined, all social distancing and disinfecting rules as they pertain to minimizing the spread of COVID-19, must be met. This makes operating any ride almost impossible, but particularly our carousel. Wiping down 46 animals and poles before each ride would be extremely labor intensive and time consuming prohibitive, as well as potentially damaging to all of our 115 year old wooden animals. Repeated application of an alcohol-based solution would soften the varnish that protects the original paint. Though persons might be able to be spaced apart on the carousel figures and in the chariots, the operator must be able to help people on and off the animals when necessary. It is also important that the carousel not be an actual enticement for non-Kit Carson County residents to travel into the county as long as the virus remains a threat. 

The Kit Carson County Carousel and Museum will remain closed until further notice. Please stay safe and healthy until we can take another magical spin together.